IPL 2018: Top 4 teams with a strong middle-order
The coming summer season is surely going to be an entertaining as the 11th edition of the Indian Premier League is all set to begin.
Teams have started their camps and are in full preparation mode ahead of what is going to be a magnificent tournament. The team staff and the respective captains will be breaking their heads to plan strategies for themselves as well as for their opponents.
One of the key factors in this shortest format of the game is batting. In batting as well, the middle order serves to be the backbone of any team. A lot depends on the top order but it eventually pens down to the middle order who have to face the penultimate overs.
We see the same issue with the Royal Challengers Bangalore. It probably has the best top order batting line-up, but when it comes to the middle order, it seems to be short of experienced power hitters.
The power hitting and slogging abilities are required at the death overs. The way five, six, seven and eight number players bat several sets the tone of the match.
We have seen in the past how a single boundary or six towards the end of an inning can impact a game.
Keeping in mind the importance of the middle order, let's look at the top 4 teams with the strongest middle order in this season:
#4 Sunrisers Hyderabad
The 2016 title holders, Sunrisers Hyderabad have a very dependable opening pair. Warner and Dhawan have a great understanding amongst each other and have given numerous great start for the Sunrisers.
Wriddhiman Saha was one of the best picks at the auction. He has a hundred to his name while playing for the Kings XI Punjab franchise.
Yusuf Pathan, Manish Pandey, and Shakib al Hasan, all three from Kolkata Knight Riders will be featuring in the Hyderabad team. We all have seen their capabilities and will form the core of Sunrisers middle order.
It would depend on the team management where they make him bat. The middle order has strengthened with the inclusion of the Caribbean all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite. His can use his long handle very effectively in the death overs.
The Indian youngsters will also be playing a key role in the Hyderabad team. The young Indian talent, Deepak Hooda has proven in the past that how impactful he can be. He has the ability to clear the ground at will.